BERKELEY — A University of California Berkeley spokesman denied reports Wednesday that a student group’s speaker has been blocked from coming to campus.

On the same day last week that Berkeley College Republicans asked the university to schedule a venue for former Breitbart News editor-at-large and current Daily Wire editor-in-chief, Ben Shapiro, they began posting to social media about their invite, asking if he could do what other conservatives had not.

UC spokesman Dan Mogulof acknowledged recent events that led to cancellation of speeches by figures Milo Yiannopolous and Ann Coulter.

“Until these most recent events, we’ve hosted dozens and dozens of events across the political spectrum without issue. It is clear that things have changed in terms of security, in terms of planning for certain speakers and types of events,” Mogulof said late Wednesday.

“Having said that, our police department has yet to conduct a review, and the possibility remains that Shapiro could speak without any extraordinary measures.”

The university recently debuted a draft of a policy meant to address security concerns, and its publicly available draft.

“What has to be done first is a security assessment, and we also have to understand requirements Shapiro has for security,” Mogulof said. “Milo came with a long list. The police department and other law enforcement organizations will do an assessment of everything to do with intelligence they can dig up on the possibility of disruption, and we will put in place whatever security measures are necessary for a safe and successful event.”

Shapiro, a UCLA and Harvard Law graduate turned author, columnist and podcaster, last spoke on campus in April 2016. In a statement to the Young America’s Foundation on Wednesday, he insisted he would speak at Berkeley again.

“Using ridiculous pretexts to keep conservatives from speaking is unsurprising but disappointing,” Shapiro said. “We’ll find a way to get this event done, and UC Berkeley has a moral and legal obligation to ensure we do so.”

Mogulof reiterated the university’s twin commitments to free speech and campus security in responding to Berkeley College Republicans’ efforts.

“We would much rather be able to work with them rather than respond to press releases,” Mogulof said. “Press releases don’t take the place of good discussion and collaboration.”

Options to factor, which non-campus based organizations such as alumni groups are also asked to consider, include not just days and locations, but hours, crowd sizes, and possible rental fees. Mogulof said the university has reached out to College Republicans with three dates next week to discuss security options.

“To say that the university is doing anything to make it difficult for Mr. Shapiro to come to campus is simply false. All we are doing is following the exact same process that applies to every other organization on campus,” Mogulof said.

“We welcome him to campus, but they need to sit down so we can work through all the details and options given.”

George Kelly is a breaking news reporter for the Bay Area News Group. He has worked as an online coordinator and, before that, a copy editor and page designer for Bay Area-based newspapers and magazines. Off work, he enjoys playing in bands, busking and karaoke. His first newspaper job was as a Washington Post paperboy.